Vietnamese Buddhist monk and author, Thich Nhat Hanh listed these 15 practices that would promote humility and keep the mind alive to spiritual reality
- Do not be bound to any doctrine, theory or ideology, he said. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not the absolute truth.
- Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless. Truth is found in life and not in concepts.
- Do not force others, including children, to adopt your views by authority, threat, money, propaganda or education.
- Do not avoid contact with suffering. Awaken yourself and others to the suffering in the world.
- Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Live simply and share resources with those in need.
- Do not use the religious community for personal gain, or transform your community into a political party.
- Do not live with a job that is harmful to humans or nature.
- Do not kill. There is no excuse or reason for killing.
- Possess nothing that should belong to others. But prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering.
- Do not mistreat your body. Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world.
- Do not maintain anger or hatred. Transform them while still seeds in consciousness.
- Do not lose yourself in your surroundings. Be aware of what is happening in the present.
- Do not utter words that can create discord. Reconcile all conflicts.
- Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress.
- Have the courage to speak the truth.